Safety First: Learning if a San Diego Neighborhood is Safe Before Buying

Something that is on the mind of all home buyers is the safety of their new San Diego neighborhood.  When looking at potential homes they may be tempted to ask their real estate agent what neighborhood is safest.  However, agents cannot comment on the safety of neighborhoods. It is up to the home buyer to investigate their new San Diego neighborhood and make an educated decision on their research.

The Internet is Your Friend

Researching on the internet is fast and easy.  Of course, with every story heard online there may be some embellishments from those who are telling it.  

However, there are some data points to research that will help to learn more about whether or not there are many crimes in the area.  A simple search of crime rates and the name of the neighborhood will bring up several results.

There is also the option of looking at the public records that will show the police reports for the area.  This can be found in papers or even by searching online.  

Another option is to look at the national sex offender website to check if there are any people in the San Diego neighborhood who are currently on the list.

Around the San Diego Neighborhood

While reports are great for statistics there is nothing like learning from the neighbors.  Residents often know the little things about a neighborhood. Things like which house causes tends to be the party house, which families like to get together for a block party, and what crimes have been committed in the past.  So be friendly and ask around if anyone happens to be outside.

Check Out the San Diego Neighborhood

Drive around the San Diego neighborhood and if it feels safe, take a walk.  This can make it easier to run into neighbors who may be just as curious about the new person in their neighborhood as the home buyer is about them.  Go to the neighborhood at different times of the day and be sure to visit multiple times before making a decision.

Focus on what cars are driving around, see what condition they are in, look at the houses, check for broken windows, bars on the windows, or many locked, tall fences.  Any neighborhood that is locked up tight with no one walking around is likely not the safest neighborhood to be in.

Gut Feeling

If a person is nervous to get out of their car to view a house or simply to walk around the block they are getting a bad vibe from the neighborhood.  Even if there is not anything visibly wrong, trust that gut feeling. People are good at picking up small details without realizing it and our bodies will tell us if we sense danger.

It is better to avoid a San Diego neighborhood because of a few problems than to take a chance and live in fear every day.  Crime in neighborhoods can be sporadic and many areas will have a few reports. Often, if there is a small amount of crime it is chalked up to one bad neighbor or some teenagers that have gotten out of control.  Look for serious crimes and a repetition of this behavior. Ultimately, if there are any doubts move on.